DARREN MACKIE insists Russell Anderson deserves to get his hands on the Scottish Cup as a reward for what he’s done for Aberdeen.

Dons captain Ando made his debut second time around for his boyhood heroes when he came on as a sub in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Hearts.

It was Anderson’s first game in five months following an injury lay-off and he should be up to speed in time for the Reds’ cup semi-final with Hibs on April 14.

Following a five-year spell away from Pittodrie, getting to the Hampden final would be a fairytale return for Anderson.

Aberdeen haven’t won silverware since the 1995 League Cup and Mackie reckons there’s nobody better than Anderson to end that trophy drought.

The striker said: “Russell deserves the chance to lift the trophy after the work he’s put into the club. He had a testimonial but it would mean everything to lift the Cup.

“Russell is the captain, it was one of the first decisions the manager made when he came back. Andrew Considine knew to hand him the armband when he came on.

“He’s inspirational for the boys. He’s seen it and done it, everyone looks up to him. You could see the fans were buzzing with him coming back.

“He’s still finding his feet but can be a massive player for us. He was huge when he was here before. All the squad know what a captain he was and hopefully he can get back to that.

“He has a great reputation as a leader, hopefully he can spur us on to victory.

“It’s the confidence he gives you at the back. He wears his heart on his sleeve and he throws his body into everything. When you see that you want to match it.”

Mackie made a rare start himself – his first since Aberdeen’s home game with Hearts at the end of December. But it was a frustrating day and he wants the side to sharpen up in time for the semi-final that can save their season.

It’s 12 years since the Dons even reached a final and Mackie, still waiting to hear if he’ll be kept on after the summer, said of that occasion: “I was on the fringes of the side, along with Chris Clark. We watched it from the stands with the fans.

“It was a massive achievement to get there, hopefully we can get back this year."